Patriots’ Day 2024

Lexington Historical Society Museum Hours

Buckman Tavern
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Self-paced audio tours
 
Hancock-Clarke House
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Guided tours every half hour
 
Munroe Tavern
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Self-paced audio tours

Saturday, April 13th

Sunday, April 14th

Throughout the week of Patriots Day, Lexington Historical Society hosts events for all ages relating to the Battle of Lexington! Join us for a variety of family friendly activities: watch a movie, see the Revolution in real time as Paul Revere rides up the street, and more!

Lexington Town Events

There are many town-sponsored events in Lexington and beyond on Patriots' Day weekend. The following are some of the most popular. Check out http://www.battleroad.org for a full listing, and www.lexingtonma.gov/patriotsday for further up-to-date information on town-specific activities, cancellations, and safety protocols. Some events take place the weekend before Patriots’ Day, so please refer to full event listings for exact dates and times.

Tower Park Battle
Saturday, April 13th, 4:00 – 5:00 AM
Tower Park (next to Season’s Four, 1265 Massachusetts Avenue)
Minuteman National Historical Park hosts a day of living history across the park on the Saturday before Patriots’ Day, as families pack to evacuate their homes and British soldiers march down the trail, culminating in a reenactment at 2:00 pm of Parker’s Revenge, a skirmish that took place on the afternoon of April 19th, in which Captain John Parker’s militia rallied to attack His Majesty’s troops on their way back from Concord. More information at www.nps.gov/mima. Following this event, participating reenactors take over the dynamic sunken Tower Park in Lexington, displaying battle tactics used during the fighting all along the Battle Road on April 19th. This is not a reenactment of a specific battle, but shows how soldiers maneuvered through hills, trees, and other terrain. The reenactors gather at Munroe Tavern at 3:00 to prepare; drop by to see them in action!
 
Battle of Lexington Reenactment
Monday, April 15th, 5:00 AM
Lexington Battle Green
This event recreates the historic skirmish in Lexington on the first day of the American Revolution, at the time and place it happened historically. As dawn approached on that fateful morning, the town militia of Lexington stood in anxious anticipation as over 700 British soldiers marched into town on their way to destroy ammunition in Concord. As the two groups squared off on the town common, a single, mysterious shot rang out, and the British soldiers opened fire. When the smoke cleared and the soldiers marched on to Concord, eight Americans lay dead, another ten were wounded, and a war for independence had begun.

VISITOR TIPS: The Battle Reenactment starts very early in the morning, with the militia mustering at 5:00 am, the bell in the Belfry ringing at 5:30 am and the battle following at 6:00 am (the actual time the historic battle occurred). The crowd around the Green can be several people deep; plan to arrive early, at least between 4:00 - 5:00 am to pick a viewing spot. Ladders and stepstools are not allowed on the Green (please see the town website for other restrictions). Those with young children who may be frightened of loud noises may also view the public rehearsal for the battle, on Sunday, April 7th at 2:00 pm, where no muskets are fired.

Pancake Breakfasts
Monday, April 15th, 6:00 – 10:00 AM
Various Locations
Several churches and scout groups in Lexington host breakfasts following the battle. Options include St. Brigid Parish, 1981 Massachusetts Ave., First Baptist Church, 1580 Massachusetts Ave., and Church of Our Redeemer, 6 Meriam St.
 
Lexington Parades
Monday, April 15th, 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Downtown Lexington
A sunrise children’s parade featuring local youth groups follows the battle reenactment at 8:00 AM, starting at 1625 Massachusetts Avenue and ending on the Battle Green. At 2:00 PM, a larger town parade with civic organizations, bands, entertainers, floats, antique cars, and more, starts at 1095 Massachusetts Avenue and ends at 80 Worthen Road. Both parades run along Massachusetts Avenue in the town center. Our museums close during the afternoon parade due to the number of street closures involved.